One of India’s most celebrated chefs, Regi Mathew, has made his international restaurant debut with Chatti, where he brings Kerala cuisine and toddy cafe culture to the heart of Midtown. And if there’s one thing we can guarantee you it’s that the new eatery is bound to become one of NYC’s next hottest reservations.
If you’re unfamiliar with toddy shops, they’re eateries common throughout Kerala, a lush coastal state in southern India. Among its many micro-cuisines, toddy shop culture is both ubiquitous and distinctive. The eateries serve a fermented palm beverage called toddy alongside slow cooked dishes and “touchings,” flavorful small plates traditionally eaten by hand.
Toddy culture emphasizes the ritual of savoring, a slower pace of dining where meals are shared among friends and family. The experience is about more than just the food, though. Conversation and connection are also fostered throughout the meal, reinforcing a sense of community.
Sprinkled throughout the menu are inventive creations and bold flavors. We were lucky enough to dine there ourselves, with Chef Mathew bringing us a selection of his recommended dishes. We’re not exaggerating when we say we loved every single one we tried, but some standouts included the Prawn Pouches, Fish Cutlet, Taro Fry, Grilled Fish with Gooseberry Masala, and Breadfruit Curry.
The menu also spotlights Kerala’s distinctive breads including various versions of Hoppers, thin pancakes made of fermented rice and coconut milk, Puttu, delicate steamed rice cakes, Coin Parotta, a flaky, layered flatbread, and Nei-Pathiri, deep-fried rice bread from the Malabar region.
The menu is designed for sharing, so be sure to bring some friends with you when you head over so you can all try a bit of everything. And if we can suggest one thing, it’s that you save room for dessert–specifically the restaurant’s signature Cloud Pudding, a creamy tender coconut delicacy, and the Palada, rice cakes slow-cooked in milk.
As for the space itself, the design is just as rich as the flavors. The space features earthy tones of green, gray, and copper, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, while a striking laterite wall, while teak wood, rattan accents, and tropical-inspired artwork transport guests straight to Kerala’s lush landscape.
With the opening of Chatti back in February of this year, Chef Mathew, who’s renowned for his critically acclaimed restaurant Kappa Chakka Kandhari, with locations in Chennai and Bengaluru, India, is offering diners an experience that celebrates the culinary diversity and abundance of Kerala, his home state. Mathew’s passion for cooking was born in his childhood, helping his mother in the kitchen after his father’s passing, and he has over 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry.
Mathew stated:
My vision has always been to elevate Kerala cuisine to global prominence, preserving its authenticity while introducing it to a wider audience. By introducing toddy shop cuisine to New York, I hope to deepen appreciation of Kerala’s diverse culinary traditions and inspire a greater understanding of its unique heritage.
Chatti is located at 252 W 37th Street. You can view the full menu on its website.